Stepping out of your comfort zone trying something new can be both thrilling and incredibly rewarding. Thanks to the generosity of Honest Weight Food Co-op, individuals in Living Resources’ Art Program got to do just that by swapping their paintbrushes and art tools for aprons and kitchen gadgets. Honest Weight kindly donated time in their state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, giving our group a wonderful opportunity to step out of their everyday routines and discover the art of cooking. With two delicious sessions already under their belt and a third coming up this November, the culinary journey is officially in full swing.

During the very first session, we had the pleasure of catching up with the class and sitting in as they learned to prepare a beloved comfort classic entirely from scratch: creamy macaroni and cheese paired with crispy chicken tenders. Guided by the expertise and warmth of volunteer Chef Donnie Graham, everyone jumped right into the action. Class members took turns mastering every step of the process, from whisking together the roux and boiling the pasta to grating the cheese and carefully frying the breaded chicken. Chef Donnie provided encouragement at every turn, ensuring everyone felt confident in their culinary skills.

The excitement in the kitchen was contagious throughout the entire session. Not only did everyone gain hands-on experience crafting a meal from scratch, but they also took home copies of the recipe so they could proudly recreate the dish for family and friends. When the cooking was done and mouthwatering aromas filled the room, everyone gathered around the table to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The normally chatty group went completely silent as they happily devoured their meals, which is always the truest sign of a successful dish.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Honest Weight Food Co-op and Chef Donnie for making this empowering experience possible. Your support gives the individuals in our program a safe, welcoming environment to explore new passions, build valuable life skills, and create wonderful memories together. We are so grateful for your partnership and cannot wait to see what delicious creation our class cooks in November!

A male chef in a white uniform assists a participant wearing black gloves as she pours a warm sauce from a saucepan into a large mixing bowl, while another participant observes in the kitchen.
A dining table set with a family-style meal featuring a platter of golden-brown chicken tenders, two large baking dishes of casserole and macaroni, plates, and beverages.
A chef in a white coat demonstrates a cooking technique in front of a wall sign that reads "The Teaching Kitchen at Honest Weight Food Co-op," as a woman in a blue hoodie and apron watches intently.
A young woman with brown hair in a camouflage shirt sits at a dining table, using a knife and fork to cut into a piece of crispy chicken on her plate alongside drinks and dipping sauce.